The Bow Tie Chronicles – Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons took a peek into the future as rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made his NFL debut against the Dolphins. He was comfortable and led the offense on two scoring drives. Coach Raheem Morris was pleased with his play, but had an issue with one of his passes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under new coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons tested out their new schemes against the Dolphins with quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. at the controls. The new 3-4 defense had its hands full with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses the team selling out their season tickets for the first time in 20 years, the tampering violations and QB succession plan which led to the drafting of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Also, coach Raheem Morris and assistant general manager Kyle Smith stop by to discuss training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Atlanta Falcons reported for training camp and now all of the league's teams are in camp. Chris Lindstrom discussed the energy surrounding the team as they move forward under the direction of new coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Also, we have a few local players who have also reported to their teams around the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons are set to report for training camp on Wednesday, July 24 under new coach Raheem Morris. There are several issues facing the team which will be led by new quarterback Kirk Cousins. Key assistant coaches stop by to help us prepare for training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Atlanta Falcons were found guilty of violating the NFL's Anti-Tampering rules in the recruitment of quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner. The Falcons will forfeit their fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft. The team was also fined $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins discuss the foundation that is being laid by the team as they are set to wrap up their Organized Team Activities. Also, Bijan Robinson, A.J. Terrell, Kyle Pitts, Jake Matthews and Richie Grant stop by to provide analysis and updates on their respective units. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new head coach and new offensive and defensive coordinators, the Falcons are focusing on installing the basic concepts on both sides of the ball during their organized team activities. Coach Raheem Morris is overseeing the action on both sides of the ball, while offensive coordinator Zac Robinson works with the offense and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake crafts together the defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons have four primetime games after not having any last season and just one in 2021 and 2022. The signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has raised the profile of the team. The schedule presents a daunting start to the season with two first-time signal callers, but if the Falcons can survive, the back end of the schedule is much softer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons, with the eighth overall pick in the draft, selected former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just a few months after spending up to $180 million on quarterback Kirk Cousins. The move befuddled most experts and sent the 2024 NFL Draft spinning out of control. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot explains the move and we hear from assistant general manager Kyle Smith, head coach Raheem Morris, Penix, Jessie Bates and Chris Lindstrom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot holds the eighth pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Falcons have eight picks overall and are expected to select the best player available. He also addressed the importance of medical evaluations, the edge rushers and the status of defensive end Calais Campbell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 14 seasons with the Falcons, Matt Ryan completed 5,242 of 8,003 pass attempts for 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns — all franchise records. He also holds franchise records for career passer rating (94.2), career completion percentage (65.5) and career 300-yard passing games (73). He signed a one-day contract with Falcons on Tuesday and officially retired from the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons columnist Michael Cunningham comes by The Bow Tie Chronicles podcast to give us his insights into the the upcoming NFL draft, the hiring of coach Raheem Morris and the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins. We also review the top offensive linemen, defensive linemen and linebackers in the draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the draft set for the end of the month, ESPN's Adam Schefter drops by The Bow Tie Chronicles to discuss the upcoming NFL draft, the hiring of Raheem Morris, the signing of Kirk Cousins. We also review the top 10 tight ends and running backs in the draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Steelers haven't had a losing season since going 6-10 back in 2003 under Bill Cowher. Since being named the coach in 2007, Mike Tomlin, who has won one Super Bowl title, has never had a losing season. Tomlin and new Falcons coach Raheem Morris worked together early in their careers in Tampa Bay. What can the Falcons learn from the Steelers to snap their streak of six consecutive losing seasons. Special guest John Harris, the author of “Tomlin: The Soul of a Football Coach.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot discuss the team's pursuit of quarterback Kirk Cousins and how he gives them a chance to win now. However, the Falcons may have been too eager and his signing is being reviewed by the NFL. Morris and Fontenot take us inside the major move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atlanta native Qwan'tez Stiggers had to get a release from the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and a waiver from the National Football League to be eligible to enter the 2024 NFL draft after not playing in college. He had a fabulous Pro Day at B.E.S.T. Academy and could become the first player since Eric Swann (1992) to be drafted without playing in college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons made a move to upgrade the quarterback position by agreeing to a deal with prospective free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed. AJC columnist Mark Bradley drops by to help us analyze the major deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Scouting Combine is over and several local players had strong interviews and performances. Now, the Falcons will get ready for free agency in their quest to improve the quarterback position. We also share a word on the passing of former AJC sports reporter Chris Mortensen, who covered the Braves and the Falcons before going on to become an NFL Insider for ESPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris are at the NFL scouting combine and are looking at several different ways to improve the quarterback position. The Falcons are having direct conversations with team executives and agents about players that might be available via trade or in free agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dust has started to settle as new coach Raheem Morris has named most of his coaching staff. Running backs coach Dwayne Ledford, quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates and running backs coach Michael Pitre were retained. We also talk to defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, secondary coach Justin Hood and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud. We also get you ready for the upcoming NFL scouting combine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot discusses the hiring of Raheem Morris as the franchise's 19th coach as he was finally introduced at a press conference almost two weeks after accepting the job. Morris discusses his new job and CBS analyst Matt Ryan and 49ers CB Isaiah Oliver drop by to help preview Super Bowl 58. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After trying to land former New England coach Bill Belichick, the Falcons signed Raheem Morris to a five-year contract to become the 19th head coach of the team. Former coach Dan Quinn and Rams general manager Les Snead stop by to help us understand more about Morris, who was with the Falcons from 2015-2000. Also, we look at his coordinators, Zac Robinson (offense), Jimmy Lake (defense) and Marquice Williams (special teams.). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons have interviewed 13 candidates for the vacant head coaching job, including Bill Belichick and Raheem Morris, twice. Former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff discusses all of the parties involved: Bilichick, Arthur Blank, Rich McKay and Terry Fonteno and how they possibly could work together. Also, we hear Les Snead's recommendation for Morris in the latest episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons have interviewed former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick for the head coach opening to replace Arthur Smith. The team has completed six interviews and are ready to interview the Lions' coordinators later on Friday and/or Saturday. Former Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris has been requested for an interview that has not been schedule yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the special Black Monday episode, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay discuss the firing of former head coach Arthur Smith. The Falcons have started their search and will consider several candidates for the position. Blank and McKay discuss their roles and the role of general manager Terry Fontenot as the franchise tries to move forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their slim playoff hopes in the balance, the Falcons came out flat in the second half and got routed by the Saints, 48-17, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday. Derek Carr tossed four touchdowns and Desmond Ridder had a key interception in the third quarter that contributed to the Saints outscoring them 31-0 in the second half. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons, who won the previous meeting, need a victory over the Saints to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. The Saints are receiving some fine play from quarterback Derek Carr and have won three of their last four games. The winner will need the Bucs to lose to the Panthers in order to go to the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a chance to solidify their playoffs hopes, the Falcons were beaten 37-17 by the Chicago Bears on Sunday at historic Soldier Field. The game was played in a light snow storm that get steady at times. The Falcons fell behind 14-0 and were never really in the game as the offense sputtered with quarterback Taylor Heinicke at the controls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons are set to face Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears for the second season in row. The Falcons won the meeting last season 27-24 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They will hit the road and face the Bears at historic Soldier Field on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Bears have won three of the last four games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke led the offense on seven scoring drives and the defense tormented Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew with six sacks in the 29-10 win on Sunday. The Falcons kept their playoff and division title hopes alive with the victory, which was some of the players felt was their best performance of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons, who have beaten just one team with a winning record this season, will seek to salvage the season with a win over the hot Indianapolis Colts. Taylor Heinicke will take over at quarterback for the Falcons, who have lost their last two games. The Falcons need to win-out to improve their playoff chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had a costly interception and running back Bijan Robinson had a costly fumble to help the Panthers pull out a 9-7 upset at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons were not able to overcome the rainy and windy conditions as they dropped their second NFC South game in a row. The NFC South title now seems like a pipe dream and the playoffs look like a mirage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons defeated Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the season opener. The Falcons, who are tied for first-place in the NFC South can't afford to stub their toe against the Panthers. They'll need to eliminate some of the mistakes that popped up in their loss to the Buccaneers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons had a fourth-quarter collapse on defense, a seven possession scoring drought on offense and two missed field goals by normally dependable kicker Younghoe Koo. Instead of taking control of the division, the Falcons find themselves in a three-way tie for first place with the Bucs and the Saints with four games to play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons are in first place and are set to face the three-time defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons won the previous meeting this season and will be looking to open a bigger lead in the race for the title and a playoff berth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons' defense held a team out of the endzone for the second consecutive game and were able to mount one touchdown drive and get two field goals from Younghoe Koo in order to prevail over the Jets, 13-8, at MetLife Stadium. The Falcons improve to 6-6 and picked up a game in the NFC South on the Saints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons, who are 1-4 on the road this season, know they'll face a prideful Jets team that was expected to be Super Bowl contenders with the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, with his injury the Jets spiraled back to the pack behind Zach Wilson and are currently 4-7. Tim Boyle will start at quarterback. The Falcons know first-hand that the Jets are a feisty bunch on defense from the 2022 joint practices which had several fights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons defeated the Saints 24-15 to take possession of first place in the NFC South. The Falcons leaned on their rushing attack, running back Bijan Robinson caught a 26-yard touchdown pass and safety Jesse Bates III had two turnovers, including a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Falcons improved to 5-6. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons are handing the ball back to quarterback Desmond Ridder with the hopes of snapping a three-game losing streak when they face the rival New Orleans Saints in a battle for first place in the NFC South. The Saints could be without quarterback Derek Carr, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol He was replaced by Jameis Winston, but the Saints also have Falcons-killer Taysom Hill as an option. The winner takes sole possession of first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons have posted a 4-6 record over the first 10 games of the season. We take a look at the pass offense, rush offense, pass defense, run defense, special teams and coaching. The Falcons are one-game behind the Saints with seven games to play and two head-to-head meetings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Falcons had busted plays and no rhythm in the passing attack as they went down to the Arizona Cardinals, 25-23, in Glendale Arizona. The Falcons took the lead in the fourth quarter with 2:33 to play, but the defense couldn't keep the Cardinals out of field goal range. The Falcons have now dropped three games in a row to a rookie quarterback, a third-string quarterback and a quarterback, who was coming off an 11-month layoff after knee surgery. To say the Falcons have stumbled into the bye would be a major understatement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices